Meet Jenna — Your Guide to Family Life in Germany
Hi, I’m Jenna, the founder of Life in Germany. As a Canadian mom who’s built a life here since 2014, I combine lived experience with deep local knowledge to support multicultural families through every stage of their journey. From practical resources to emotional support, I’m here to help you feel confident, connected, and truly at home in Germany.
As a mom, expat, and now German citizen, I know firsthand what it takes to build a life here. I’ve spent over a decade learning the ins and outs of moving, integrating, and thriving in Germany—so you don’t have to do it alone.
I’ve connected with and carefully chosen over 100 local experts to co-create practical, supportive resources—designed specifically to guide families like yours through every step of the journey.
Your New Life in Germany Starts Here
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I offer practical resources and heartfelt support to help your family not just adjust, but truly thrive—wherever in Germany you choose to call home.
My Journey to Germany
When I moved from Canada to Germany in 2014, I faced the same challenges many international families do—endless paperwork, cultural differences, and a lack of clear, affordable support. Even with a German husband, the process felt confusing and isolating.
That experience is what inspired me to create Life in Germany for Families—a space filled with real-life guidance, cost-saving tips, and emotional support for others on the same path. I documented everything, spoke with trusted experts, and learned how to navigate the system step by step.
Every family’s journey is different, but we all face similar struggles. My goal is to make yours a little easier—and a lot more joyful.
My Life in Germany: A Timeline
In my early 20s, while traveling in South Africa as a travel writer with Hostelling International, I met a German in Durban and fell in love.
We gave long-distance dating a shot and spent three amazing months at a time in Germany on a tourist visa. Being Canadian made it a bit easier since I could enjoy 90 days there without needing a visa! The only tricky part was I only had 10 vacation days back home, which made juggling everything a little challenging.
After two emotional years of long-distance, I decided to move to Freiburg, Germany, where my boyfriend (now husband) was finishing his university thesis. My first entrance into the country was as an au pair for a family in the neighbouring village (spoiler alert – the plan fell through and I ended up teaching English to children in Freiburg). I wasn’t sure if I would stay the whole year I planned, but I knew it wouldn’t be forever… or so I thought. 😅
After 8 wonderful months of living like a tourist in Freiburg, we faced a tough time when my husband’s family experienced a significant loss. To support them, we temporarily moved to Düsseldorf, Germany. We had plans to relocate to England, where I could work in English and his degree would be valid (England was still in the EU). Instead of renting a furnished apartment, we decided to stay with his family until we were ready for our big move. I wasn’t too fond of Düsseldorf; it felt a bit too fancy for my taste. 😵💫
Nonetheless, life had to go on and I continued my career as a travel writer after I had successfully landed my freelance visa in Germany.
After 4 years together, my husband and I finally got married in Germany! Tip: the marriage process in Germany for internationals isn’t as easy.
That same year, my husband landed a new job, we rented our first apartment in Unterbilk, Düsseldorf and I launched my second blog Life in Düsseldorf. 🎉
The concept behind the platform was to explore Düsseldorf for all it’s worth (and not just the Königsallee and fancy art museums). I spent my days writing inspiring blog posts and working with experts in the city, anyone who would be willing to write a featured blog post in English regarding a topic that might be helpful for newcomers (how to register in the city, how to become a freelancer, the best neighbourhoods in the city, etc.)
People LOVED it, the concept really worked! 🎉
We loved our flat in Unterbilk, Düsseldorf but my husbands undeniable passion for real estate investment drew us into an offer we couldn’t resist. Little did we know, this would be the first of many properties that would change our lives as we knew it. 🤩
PS: If you’re interested in real estate investment, I share a few awesome tips over on my YouTube Channel.
In September 2018 we gave birth to our son in Düsseldorf, Germany (yes, at a German hospital). At the time, my German wasn’t great, but we still managed wonderfully (despite having a bumpy pregnancy). If you have any questions related to pregnancy and parenting, believe me, I’ve got tons of stories to tell!
If getting started in Germany wasn’t hard enough, we took parental leave and became masters in understanding the entire Elterngeld and Kindergeld process.
Naturally, this was when I decided it wasn’t just relocating that internationals needed help with, but the entire process of living in Germany and all life in Germany throws at them. At this point, Life in Düsseldorf began to grow with me (so much so that 2020 became a BIG year for me). 🥹
Our son starting in the German daycare system was a huge deal for me. If you haven’t heard, finding a spot in Germany can seem impossible. I continued to create more content around dealing with culture shocks generally, and as a family.
On the business side of things, Life in Düsseldorf started growing beyond just Düsseldorf and a small Welcome Program I created for newcomers to Düsseldorf became highly requested by expats and internationals moving all over Germany. With such a huge demand for German-wide content, I surprised my community with the launch of Life in Germany 🎉
Life in Germany wasn’t just a blog, but an online resource for English speakers moving to Germany to join a community (of now over 150,000 members) and gain access to a number of digital resources that would help them live their best lives here in Germany. While building up these digital resources, I began to meet with hundreds of different experts, picking my favourites to feature as support members on our website.
In 2020, I also launched the Life in Germany YouTube channel to share a more behind-the-scenes look on what life in Germany is really like. To my excitement, it became an overnight success and is a huge component on the business today!
Our son started in the German Kindergarten system – another huge hurdle one goes through when living in Germany.
My content became heavily focused on helping families relocate and live their best lives in Germany. It was apparent to me that although starting in a new country as an individual is hard, the aspects of bringing over an entire family and starting from scratch can be even harder. I wanted to change that! 💛
Although well versed in the world of parenting in Germany, there was still a lot to learn and even more to share with you all through my second pregnancy journey in Germany. I learned more about what the health insurance system covers, what rights I had as a mother and some really cool bonus programs for families.
Our second child (a girl) was born in Düsseldorf, Germany in a public hospital.
It turns out real estate investment in Germany is quite a smart step to take. Many Germans choose to rent their properties which means the market is often full of hidden gems that can turn a great profit.
By 2023, my husband and I were deep into the world of real estate and renovations. We had lined up all the help we needed to renovate old homes and bring new life to them and my husband is the jack of all trades when it comes to making smart investment choices.
Then we bought our second property and third property in Krefeld and Duisburg!
2024 was a huge year for our family! In June 2024, the German government passed a law that would allow for dual citizenship. I was one of the first Canadians in Düsseldorf to apply for my citizenship and by November 2024 I had both a Canadian and German passport in hand.
In August 2024 our son started Grundschule in the 1. Klasse. I thought navigating the daycare and kindergarten system was difficult… the school system was next level. Again, I decided to make an even bigger leap and focus all my social media accounts on helping parents and children navigate their lives in Germany. I had a blast sharing kid-friendly content on both our Instagram channels.
It’s been 6 years living as a mom in Germany and the time has come for me to not only help parents live their best lives here in Germany, but kids too!
Truth be told, back in 2016 when I started this online journey helping expats move to Germany, my niche was unique. Now that the market is saturated with tips and advice, I was ready for a change.
A niche that hasn’t been met and one that I’m so excited to enter is catering these same services to children.
So, in 2025/2026 I will be launching an interactive book series (in English, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, and French) which blends cultural education with storytelling for kids ages 5-12.
The titles and themes of this book series evolve based on the children’s growing experience in Germany, providing young readers with a mirror for their own potential experiences of cultural discovery. 🥰
While everything might look perfect on paper, I’ve faced a few bumps along the way that I couldn’t quite fit onto one page. But no worries! I share all those fun stories on my YouTube channel if you’re interested in checking it out. It’s been quite the learning journey, and it’s all these experiences that brought me here today and helped create Life in Germany!
Ready for Your Next Step in Germany?
Important Questions to Ask Yourself 🇩🇪
Before beginning your journey to Germany, pause and reflect on a few key questions. The answers will help you feel more confident and prepared for a smoother, more successful transition.
The truth? Many multicultural families face the same frustrating loop:
🏧 You want to open a bank account but find out you need a European address
🏠 You can’t find an apartment because the landlord wants to meet you in person
🤨 On top of that, your landlord is asking for your SCHUFA score, and guess what? You don’t have that either
🗓️ So you decide to register yourself in the city… Sorry! You require a permanent address in the city before you can register
💰But if you can’t register, how are you going to get your tax ID?
📌 Without your tax ID you can’t get a job (or even work at the job you just received)
And now, you’re stuck back at square one.
Our comprehensive guide “Which Residency Permit Do I Need in Germany?” breaks down the different types of residency permits available, tailored to your specific situation—whether you’re a student, a skilled worker, or simply looking to reunite with family.
In the Life in Germany Welcome Program, I provide detailed explanations on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and important documentation needed for each permit type.
Our comprehensive guide “Register in Germany With Your New Address” provides clear, step-by-step instructions on navigating the registration process in Germany, ensuring that you adhere to local laws and regulations.
You can also explore information on key locations such as the Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt, necessary documents for registration, the timeline for the process, and insider tips for a hassle-free experience in the Life in Germany Welcome Program.
Unlock the key to navigating the German tax system in the Life in Germany Welcome Program. Here you will find step-by-step instructions tailored for both residents and expatriates, ensuring you understand the necessary paperwork and procedures. Learn about the documentation required and where to apply.
Learn about crucial elements such as rental price, maintenance obligations, security deposits, and notice periods. Discover details regarding lease duration, termination clauses, and any legal stipulations that can affect your tenancy. The Life in Germany Welcome Program will empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions when it comes to your rental contract.
Our comprehensive guide “How to Find the Best Electricity Package in Germany: Everything You Need to Know” walks you through the essential steps to efficiently establish your electricity supply. From choosing the right energy provider to understanding the necessary paperwork, we simplify the entire process for new residents and international movers alike.
In the Life in Germany Welcome Program you’ll learn how to find competitive rates, navigate the registration process, and ensure you’re always in control of your energy consumption. With tips and tricks tailored for the German market, you can quickly plug into your new home without the stress.
Our comprehensive guide “How to Find the Best Internet Contract in Germany: Everything You Need to Know” will help you navigate the extensive options available, ensuring you find the perfect plan that suits your needs and budget. From DSL to fiber-optic connections, we provide detailed information about speed, data limits, and pricing from the leading providers.
In the Life in Germany Welcome Program you can discover how to compare different plans, check customer reviews, and understand the fine print, so you can make an informed decision.
In the Life in Germany Welcome Program you’ll learn everything from understanding the various license types (exchanging your license) to booking your theoretical and practical exams, we break down each step in a simple, easy-to-follow format. Learn about the required documents, and insights into the specific rules of the German driving system.
In the Life in Germany Welcome Program we dive into the structure and stages of German education, detailing the various types of schools such as Grundschule, Hauptschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium.
Join the Life in Germany Welcome Program
Moving your family to Germany can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. The Life in Germany Welcome Program is a step-by-step online guide created with trusted experts to help parents like you confidently navigate the relocation process.